Against All Odds

5.

Enjoy!

-Niyah

***
Jayceon Rodgers

"Jayceon! Oh my gosh, he's awake. DOCTOR HE WOKE UP!"

As soon as I open my eyes, I quickly close them due to the pain from the bright light.

Where am I?

How did I get here?

How long have I been out?

I try to sit up but fail miserably. I feel a very sharp pain go through my stomach and travel to my back.

"Mr.Rodgers, nice to see you finally awake. I'm Dr.Mebin and I've been in charge of your care for the past 3 days."

"3 days? How did I get here? What happened?"

"Well Mr.Rodgers-"

"Call me Jayceon." I ain' wit' all dat' proper mess.

"Well Jayceon, a young lady found you in an alleyway. If it wasn't for her, you would probably be dead. You were shot 5 times in the stomach and suffered severe trauma to your spinal cord. But don't worry, you're not paralyzed the trauma wasn't severe enough to paralyze you or anything. You're a lucky one."

After the doctor finished telling me about my health and how long it'll take me to heal, a nurse came in to check my vitals and give me food and water. While in the middle of eating, the door opens and in walks Jacob, Chaylin, Aunt Jamie, and that cute friend of his. Bri, I think is her name.

"My nephew, I'm so glad you're okay."

"I'm fine Aunt J, just a little bruised but you know me, I'm a trooper."

"Well while you troopin' on, I should slap the taste outcha' mouth. Whatchu doing getting involved with these thugs? You know Janice raised you better than that."

Here we go.

"It was a mistake Auntie. I just got caught up and made some bad decisions. I promise it won't happen again."

"It better not happen again. Janice probably doing backflips in her grave. Now, I gotta go to work and Jacob is gonna take you back home. Please try not to get in any trouble."

"I won't. I ain' got much energy right now anyway."

After she left, it was just Jacob, Chaylin, Bri, and I.

"Wassup man. You alright? Bri said you were pretty banged up when she found you."

"Yea I'm straight. Messed around with the wrong people."

"Yea, especially messing around with Rodney. That dude dropped out of school in 9th grade. He don't have much going for him and he gets young bucks like you to do his dirty work. I guess you see what happens when you cross him."

"Yea." Not wanting to talk about this anymore I decide to switch the subject. "So, when can I go home?"

That's when Bri speaks up. "You can go home tomorrow, they just need you to stay overnight to make sure everything is healing properly. "

"Aight. Thanks by the way, I owe you big time."

"You don't have to thank me. I would want the same done for me if I were in your position so it was only right that I did the same."

I smile and look at her. How did I not notice how beautiful this girl was before now? She got a nice smile, she's smart, and has a good heart. It's a 3-for-1 special.

After we talked and chilled for a few more hours, visiting hours were over and so they left, plus Chaylin was getting fussy since it was bedtime. Later that night, I laid in the bed and just started to pray. Pray for a better life for myself, pray for good health,and pray for good relationships and an even better future.

If I don't have anybody else on my side, I know I have God.

***
6 1/2 months later...

Jacob Payne

"C'mon Chay smile for daddy."

Today is her first birthday party and everyone is here. Well the little bit of family that I do keep in touch with. The guests consist of our usual crew, Mom, Jayceon, Bri, and Bri's mom, Ms. Dianne. Also, a bunch of the kids from the daycare that Bri volunteers at are here and there parents.

I have been trying to get Chaylin to smile for some pictures for almost 20 minutes.

"Jacob can't you see this baby doesn't want to take pictures?", my mom asks while picking her up. "Poor baby probably tired."

"Well you did wake her up at 7 am. Even I don't want to be up that early."

"It's her first birthday so of course. I did the same with you and you turned out-" she takes a quick glance at me. "Anyway, I'm going to go and try to put her to sleep for a quick nap before the real fun gets here."

I nod my head and finish checking on the hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. I look over and see Bri and Jayceon smiling and laughing. They've been flirting ever since he got out the hospital.

"Why y'all always cupcakin'?"

"Don't say dat', it sound gay", Jayceon sips his punch.

"We're not cupcaking. We're just really good friends who happen to have a lot in common", Bri says while eating some chips.

"Oh, is that why you always blushing when I mention his name?"

She punches my arm. "I don't blush. I smile uncontrollably. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go get on the bouncy house." She then walks away.

We both laugh. "So when y'all gonna stop playing with each other?  Y'all have been going on dates for the past 6 months. I don't think there's much else left to do."

"I know what I'm doing, Jake. I was going to ask her soon anyway. Can't let this one slip away. Now if you'll excuse me, I got a bouncy house to jump on."

A few hours later, it was time for the party to end. After passing out the rest of the party favors, I put Chaylin to bed. 

Once I got settled myself, I receive a text on my phone.

Unknown: Meet me at the library tomorrow at noon. We have a lot to talk about.

***

Briana Harris

"Mom go ahead in, I'll get everything out of the car."

Once I get everything out and close and lock the door behind me, I turn around to be met with a surprise.

"Dad, what are you doing here? I thought you got 10 years in prison."

"Well I got out on good behavior. I'm home for good this time sweetie."

***
No, her dad didn't go to jail for abuse or anything of that nature. Briana and her dad had a very close-knit relationship so she's happy he's home. But remember, all good things must come to an end....

-Niyah